Lawyer – sexual assault in Paris

Have you been the victim of a sexual assault or are you accused of sexual assault? Calling on an experienced criminal defense lawyer helps ensure the protection of your rights, whether you are a complainant or a person accused.

Maître Lois Pamela LESOT, attorney at the Paris Bar, represents you throughout France

Holding degrees in criminal law, international criminal law, and business criminal law, and trained at leading French and British universities (King’s College London, Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, Kent Law School), Maître Lois Pamela LESOT puts her expertise at the service of criminal defense throughout France, including the overseas territories.

She assists you at every stage of the proceedings:

  • Filing a complaint and joining the proceedings as a civil party
  • Police custody and hearings before investigative services
  • Proceedings before the investigating judge
  • Criminal court hearing for sexual assault offences
  • Trial before the Assize Court and the Criminal Court for cases of rape
  • Enforcement and adjustment of sentences

With experience gained in renowned law firms (Avi Bitton, William Julié, Collard & Associés…) and within courts (Paris Court of Appeal, International Criminal Court), she adopts a rigorous, human, and strategic approach to each case.

Areas of practice for sexual assault cases and other sexual crimes and offences

Sexual assault and rape

  • Sexual assault: any sexual act committed with violence, coercion, threat, or surprise, without penetration.
  • To be distinguished from rape (Article 222-23 of the Criminal Code)
  • Aggravating circumstances (minor, authority, multiple offenders, etc.)
  • Attempted rape or sexual assault

Sexual offences against minors

  • Sexual assault on a child under the age of 15
  • Sexual assault on a minor over the age of 15
  • Incest
  • Corruption of a minor
  • Possession and distribution of child pornography

Victims of sexual offences

  • Filing a complaint and joining the proceedings as a civil party
  • Legal representation before the investigating judge
  • Review of criminal procedure and preparation of documents
  • Presentation of a case before the Magistrates’ Court, the Assize Court or the Crown Court
  • Compensation procedure (CIVI, Guarantee Fund)
  • Psychological and legal support

Criminal defense

  • Verification of the rights of prosecuted persons
  • Advice and preparation of a defense strategy tailored to your situation
  • Assistance throughout the criminal proceedings: from police custody to the hearing before the Criminal Court (Tribunal correctionnel), the Assize Court, or the Criminal Court
  • Possible penalties: prison sentences and fines, registration on the sex offenders’ register (FIJAIS)

Stages of proceedings for sexual assault or other sexual crimes and offences

1. Investigation

  • Investigation into an offence committed in flagrante delicto (where the sexual assault has just taken place)
  • Preliminary investigation following a report or the filing of a complaint

From the moment you are taken into custody, during a voluntary interview or when filing a complaint, the assistance of a criminal lawyer is essential. Every statement counts, whether you are the victim or the accused.

2. The instruction

Where there is serious or corroborating evidence, the investigating judge may decide to charge a suspect with sexual assault or rape. This entails certain rights, but often also strict obligations.


A criminal lawyer specialising in sexual assault or rape reviews the case file, requests investigative documents and prepares the defence strategy.

3. The hearing or trial

  • Criminal Court for offences (sexual assault, procuring, distribution of pornography, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, violence, etc.)
  • Criminal Court for serious crimes (rape)
  • Juvenile Court or Juvenile Assize Court where minors are involved

The lawyer analyses the criminal proceedings, prepares the case file and his or her client for the hearing or trial, advocates on behalf of the victim or the defendant, and ensures that everyone’s rights are respected and that the adversarial principle is upheld.

4. After the judgment

  • Lodge an appeal against the decision if appropriate
  • Apply for a variation of sentence (parole, electronic tagging, day release, etc.)
  • Assisting victims with the compensation process (CIVI, Guarantee Fund)

Your Criminal Defense with Maître Lois Pamela LESOT

Consult a lawyer: Maître Lois Pamela LESOT – +33 6 52 02 54 42 – lesot@loispamelalesot.com

The firm regularly assists and defends individuals who are victims of, or accused of, sexual assault, rape or sexual offences against minors. Lois Pamela LESOT also supports clients in other sensitive criminal law proceedings, such as domestic violence, money laundering and abuse of a vulnerable person.

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FAQ – Sexual Assault Lawyer in Paris

What constitutes sexual assault under the Criminal Code?

Sexual assault is defined in the Criminal Code as a sexual offence committed without the victim’s consent, through the use of violence, coercion, threats or surprise. Unlike rape, it does not involve sexual penetration.

This may include gestures, touching, forced kissing or any act of a sexual nature imposed on a person.

What is the difference between sexual assault and rape?

The distinction depends on whether or not penetration occurs:

  • Sexual assault: any unwanted sexual contact or act, without penetration
  • Rape: sexual assault aggravated by penetration (section 222-23 of the Criminal Code)

Both offences are punishable by severe penalties, with aggravating circumstances applying where the victim is a minor, where there is an abuse of authority, where a weapon is used or threatened, etc.

What are the consequences for someone who commits a sexual assault?

Sentences vary depending on the seriousness of the offence:

  • Simple sexual assault: up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of €75,000
  • Aggravating circumstances (minor, ascendant, multiple perpetrators, etc.): up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of €150,000
  • Rape: a crime punishable by 15 to 20 years’ imprisonment, or even longer depending on the circumstances (e.g. where the victim is a minor, or where there are aggravating circumstances)

What should I do if I am the victim of a sexual assault in Paris?

  • In an emergency: contact the police (17) or the ambulance service (15)
  • To file a complaint: at a police station, at a gendarmerie station, or directly with the public prosecutor by post
  • Seeking legal support: a sexual assault lawyer in Paris can help you file a complaint, gather evidence (medical certificates, witness statements, text messages, etc.) and bring a civil action
  • Psychological support: specialist organisations can help you (ask your solicitor to refer you to the appropriate support services)

Can I file a complaint even a long time after the incident?

Yes. The limitation periods for sexual offences are relatively long:

  • 20 years from the date the offence was committed in the case of rape
  • 30 years from the age of majority for rape committed against a minor
  • 6 years for sexual assault
  • 10 years from the age of majority for sexual assault on a minor over the age of 15
  • 20 years from the age of majority for sexual assault on a child under the age of 15

This means that a victim can file a complaint years later, even as an adult.

What is the role of a solicitor in sexual assault cases?

A criminal lawyer is involved at every stage:

  • For the victim: filing a complaint, bringing a civil action, support during interviews, cross-examination and the trial, and claiming compensation (CIVI, Guarantee Fund).
  • For the accused: defence during police custody, contesting the charges, preparation and defence during the trial

Their role is as much legal (building the defence) as it is human (listening, supporting and reassuring).

How do you choose a solicitor specialising in sexual assault cases in Paris?

Choose an avocado:

  • An expert in criminal law with extensive experience in sexual offence cases
  • With proven experience in working with victims and defendants
  • Available to provide personalised support, as these matters require a listening ear and a prompt response
  • Admitted to the Paris Bar, ensuring we’re close at hand if you’re in the Paris region

What are my rights as a victim of sexual assault?

As a victim, you can:

  • File a complaint
  • Bringing a civil action to seek compensation (damages)
  • To receive compensation from the CIVI (Commission for the Compensation of Victims of Crime) and the Guarantee Fund, or the SARVI (Service for Assistance with Compensation for Victims of Crime)
  • Being protected (restraining orders, contact bans, etc.)

What is the procedure for a sexual offence in Paris?

  1. Investigation (police, interviews, medical and psychological assessments)
  2. Investigation (formal charges if there is serious and consistent evidence)
  3. Hearing before the Magistrates’ Court (misdemeanours) or trial before the Assize Court or Criminal Court (rape)
  4. Judgement and possible conviction
  5. It is possible to appeal against the decision
  6. Compensation proceedings before the CIVI or SARVI / Sentence adjustment proceedings

Throughout the process, your solicitor will be there to explain the procedure to you, prepare a strategy and effectively defend your interests.

What support is available to victims of sexual offences?

A victim of a sexual offence may:

  • File a criminal complaint
  • Claiming compensation through the CIVI
  • Contact victim support organisations for psychological and social support
  • Asserting one’s rights in the civil courts (divorce, child custody where domestic violence is involved)

How should you prepare for a meeting with a solicitor specialising in sexual assault cases?

It is advisable to gather:

  • All documents and evidence relating to the assault (text messages, emails, medical certificates, photographs, witness statements)
  • A chronological account of the events, to help the lawyer understand the context
  • Your personal queries (procedure, timeframes, compensation, protection, etc.)

The solicitor is there to listen without judgement and develop a strategy tailored to your situation.

Maître Lois Pamela LESOT
+33 6 52 02 54 42
lesot@loispamelalesot.com